Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

258. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if internal management meetings are held within Tusla; if representatives from her Department are present at these meetings; the number of such meetings; and the frequency of said meetings. [30356/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has asked Tusla to advise on the frequency of internal management meetings. My Department does not attend such meetings.

As the parent Department with responsibility for the oversight of Tusla, formal meetings are held between officials of my Department and Tusla's Senior Management Team. This is done on a monthly basis. The primary purpose of these meetings is to review performance with reference to Tusla's Business Plan. The meetings also afford an opportunity to discuss other important matters. Separately, the Secretary General of the Department meets Tusla's Chief Executive on a monthly basis.

In addition, and in light of the range of policy areas that influence Tusla's work, officials in my Department are in regular contact with their counterparts in Tusla. This involves regular bilateral meetings. The number and frequency of such meetings will vary.

In addition to the meetings held by Department officials with Tusla's Senior Management, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and senior officials meet on a quarterly basis with the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive, and Chief Operations Officer of Tusla.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

259. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children referred to Tusla each year. [30357/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can inform the Deputy that the numbers of referrals to Child Protection and Welfare Services received during the years 2014 to 2016 are as follows:

- 2014 = 43,630 referrals received during the reporting year.

- 2015 = 43,596 referrals received during the reporting year.

- 2016 = 47,399 referrals received during the reporting year.

- 2017 = 12,734 referrals received from January until the end of March.

It should be noted that more than one referral can be received in respect of one child or a particular issue relating to that child. Not all referrals will become cases.